Prince Harry attended the coronation of his father King Charles III at Westminster Abbey on April 18, without his wife Meghan Markle. His cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice also attended the ceremony. Prince Harry was wearing a morning suit following the dress code for the majority of the congregation. He sported his Afghanistan service medal, KCVO neck decoration, and star.
Despite rumors about his attendance, Buckingham Palace had confirmed that Prince Harry would attend the ceremony. On the other hand, Meghan stayed back in California with their children. The couple’s elder child, Archie, celebrated his fourth birthday on the same day as the coronation. Meghan reportedly chose to stay away from the UK due to the intense media scrutiny she faced in the past.
Prince Harry’s appearance at the coronation is significant, given his strained relationship with his family, especially with his brother Prince William. In his memoir “Spare,” Harry discussed his royal life, his relationship with his father and brother, and his decision to step away from official duties. During the service, Prince William briefly participated, kneeling before the new king to pledge loyalty.
The Succession to the Crown Act abolished the preference for male siblings in the line of succession, making Prince Harry fifth in line to the throne, followed by his brother Prince William, and his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Prince Harry arrived in the UK last month to take part in the unveiling of a statue of his late mother Princess Diana. He had last visited the UK in September for his grandfather’s funeral, but he did not meet Prince Charles or Prince William.
The family tensions remain, but Prince Harry made the trip out of duty and love for his father and the country. Sources close to the royal household said that the Prince Harry would look back on this time with pride and affection.
